Mt. Rokko and Arima Onsen: Kobe's Mountains, Springs and Night Views
In Kobe, sea and mountains sit remarkably close. Cross the looming Rokko range and, on its north side, bubbles one of Japan's oldest hot springs, Arima.
Here we gather Kobe's natural highlights: the Rokko and Maya peaks, the night view, and Arima Onsen to the north.
Mountain leisure here began when foreigners opened villas in the Meiji era.
Up to the peaks, down to the springs
Mt. Rokko
The range behind Kobe, peaking at 931 m. Foreigners opened villas here in the Meiji era, making it a leisure mountain.
Source:六甲山観光
Mt. Maya and Kikuseidai
The view from Mt. Maya's Kikuseidai, the 'ten-million-dollar night view,' is one of Japan's three great night views, reached by the Maya View Line.
Source:六甲山観光
Arima Onsen
An ancient spring north of Mt. Rokko—one of Japan's three great springs (with Kusatsu, Gero) and three oldest (with Dogo, Shirahama).
Source:有馬温泉観光協会
Kinsen and Ginsen
The iron-and-salt 'kinsen' that turns brown in air, and the clear 'ginsen'—Arima is known for its rich variety of waters.
Source:有馬温泉観光協会
Nunobiki Falls
A celebrated waterfall just behind Shin-Kobe Station, long sung of in poetry and counted among Japan's three sacred falls.
Source:Feel KOBE 神戸公式観光サイト
Kobe Golf Club
Opened on Mt. Rokko in 1903 by Britain's A.H. Groom and others, regarded as Japan's first proper golf course.
Source:六甲山観光
FAQ
Where's the best place for the Rokko night view?
The classic spot is Mt. Maya's Kikuseidai, one of Japan's three great views; Rokko Garden Terrace also overlooks the city and bay.
Where in Kobe is Arima Onsen?
On the north side of Mt. Rokko, in Kobe's Kita Ward, reachable from the city by ropeway, train or bus.